The cost of flying between Europe and the US could be dramatically lowered with the news that budget airline Ryanair is to go ahead with its plans to expand its services across the Atlantic.
The highly lucrative and in-demand route traditionally costs upwards of £400 to fly, but Ryanair claims it could start offering flights for as little as £10 between cities like London and New York. Other destinations that airline is looking at include Boston, Chicago and Miami. Ryanair will use its leading European airports – London Stansted, Dublin and Berlin – to serve the US market. While the cheapest flights might be around £10, it is thought the average cost of a one-way ticket will be over £100. This is still substantially less than existing fares, however, and could see a flurry of transatlantic trips emerge. It will also place a lot of pressure on existing premium carriers that have dominated the market.
[T]hey could start offering flights for as little as £10 between cities like London and
New York
As discussed in the cover story of our sister publication European CEO, Ryanair has been transforming its reputation over the last year to be more customer-centric. In previous years it has relied on offering a no-frills service to travellers, helping to drive down prices across Europe’s aviation market, but doing little in the way of making people’s journeys comfortable. Now, however, it is looking to expand its services and change the way it is perceived.
CEO and founder Michael O’Leary has cut a controversial figure in the airline industry, with bold and unpopular statements gaining his airline considerable attention. However, he has certainly helped to transform European air travel over the last two decades, with many other budget airlines emerging in Ryanair’s wake. Now he has set his sights transforming the cost of transatlantic travel.
In a statement announcing the news, Ryanair said it was looking to acquire long-haul planes that could help serve the new market. “We are talking to manufacturers about long-haul aircraft but cannot comment further on this. European consumers want lower-cost travel to the USA and the same for Americans coming to Europe. We see it as a logical development in the European market.”
The allure of the corporate jet has proved fatal for some companies. Dazzled by advertisements extolling luxury in the skies, many entrepreneurs have treated themselves to an aircraft of their own as compensation for all those 16-hour days. But it’s usually the Bombardier, Dassault, Lear or Embraer that is the first asset to be flogged off – or, indeed, seized – when times get hard, and the liquidators move in.
Though relatively easy to buy with the right financial package, corporate jets cost a lot to run. Many an owner has come to rue the hidden expenses of maintaining an aircraft – not to mention the unexpected tax claims that come with it. No company should buy a jet without first consulting an expert aviation lawyer, as the way in which the sale of the aircraft is legally packaged – as well as how it is used – has a lot to do with how much it costs to run. However, when certain protocols are observed, the company plane can undoubtedly be a highly productive business tool that saves time, money and energy.
Manufacturers now minutely analyse cabin space in order to provide the most bang for the aviation buck
The long haul
Few companies really need a bird of the skies capable of transcontinental flights. The 2014 Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton may own a $30m blood red Bombardier Challenger 600, which can reach a cruising speed of 850kph and has a flight range of 5,186km, but not many companies have a need for those kinds of capabilities. There is a wide range of less expensive aircraft available, which are more than adequate for the shorter hops that most corporate jets are employed for.
The Dornier 328 jet, for example, was originally designed as a rugged short-haul commercial aircraft. It is now enjoying a tail wind as a reconditioned VIP medium-range plane. And the 328 has proved particularly popular since the financial crisis – at a cost of around $13m, including a bespoke interior, the 328 has found a ready market as a relatively budget-priced offering.
“It’s a value proposition”, pointed out Ray Mosses, Head of Sales for Munich-based conversion company 328 SSG. The latest iteration of the 328 has proved irresistible to buyers; mainly those from Western Europe and the Middle East who can afford VIP aircraft but are nevertheless keeping an eye on their money. Aircraft such as the Dornier can also be more practical than their pricier competition: they are fuel efficient, capable of landing on short runways and are able to make the steep climbs that are often unavoidable in Europe.
Fit for purpose
There is little point in buying an aircraft that is too good for its purpose. Jean-Claude Biver, Chief Executive of the luxury watch brand Hublot Geneve, could certainly have bought himself a bigger, faster and longer-range plane than his Embraer Phenom 100. But as he points out, this beautiful little aircraft is perfect for short-distance hops between the capitals of Eastern and Western Europe, where he does much of his business. For transcontinental flights, he travels first class on commercial airlines.
Although Biver says that he enjoys the convenience of his own plane, which is helpfully parked near his office, the Phenom 100 serves mainly as a workhorse. A firm believer in face-to-face marketing, Biver averages around 100 hours a year in the aircraft, travelling mainly between F1 venues, Hublot-sponsored events, celebrity customers’ residences, conferences and seminars. For example, it’s not unusual for him to visit Ferrari’s works at Marinello half a dozen times a year. But primarily, Biver values the Phenom 100 for its practicality. “It’s small and designed for European routes”, he explains. “It’s got the latest generation engine and it’s very economical. It saves me hundreds of hours a year.”
A race for space
The turbo-prop market is also thriving, as demonstrated by Italian aerospace manufacturer Piaggio with its new Avanti Evo. The twin-engined Avanti is remarkably fuel-efficient, has low carbon emissions and, in this updated version, is much quieter. Like the Phenom 100, the Avanti is very much suited to smaller airfields near towns and cities because of its short landing and take-off capabilities.
But the versatility of this turbo-prop has been discovered far beyond Europe. The first aircraft off of the production line in September 2014 went to a buyer in India, and Piaggio says that it is also attracting considerable interest from China. Piaggio’s Avanti may not have the range and speed of the elite jets, but with a maximum speed of 402kt, it’s not too far behind. And the interior space is generous by any standards: with a height of 1.75m and a width of 1.85m, the aircraft is big enough to accommodate up to nine passengers – a capacity that should keep eagle-eyed shareholders happy.
Ultimately, what most corporate buyers want these days is reconfigurable space that makes their investment more defensible to shareholders. As such, manufacturers now minutely analyse cabin space in order to provide the most bang for the aviation buck. For example, Embraer Air’s two new aircraft – the $16.57m Legacy 450 and the $18m Legacy 500 – took seven years to design, with the cabin spaces being reinvented to make them considerably larger than those of competing aircraft. As Jay Beever, Vice President of Marketing and Interior Design for the firm, pointed out at the release of the aircraft last year, “Our plan was to modify and rework areas of the interior to achieve the best results for the customer”. The Brazilian aerospace manufacturer’s golden rule throughout the design process was ‘more for less’.
The result is a cabin that has a flat floor throughout, allowing six feet of headroom – a real luxury in corporate jets. An extra half-foot in the cabin means a lot – at a pinch, the Legacy 450 will accommodate up to nine passengers, with 12 passengers able to squeeze into the 500. If the entire board of a company wants to travel together, that kind of configurability is important.
Office in the sky
Because the main cost comes from the aircraft itself, not even economy-minded companies need to skimp on a bit of inside luxury. It’s become increasingly standard for owners, whether corporate or private, to expect fingertip connectivity, television, plush adjustable seating, well-staffed galleys and individual soft lighting in their aircraft – for example, the Embraer 450’s seats can swivel, and some can be converted into flat beds.
In a more cost-conscious age, corporate buyers should also look for low maintenance costs. As part of its massive order for up to 200 of Bombardier’s latest version of the Challenger 350, fleet owner NetJets demanded that the aircraft be delivered with extra coats of protective paint, as well as dent-proof Teflon strips on the harder-worked exterior edges and interior surfaces.
However, productivity is still the order of the day. Consequently, Lufthansa Technik has introduced a virtual office in the sky for the Challenger 350 – its system functions seamlessly alongside personal electronic devices, and it is equipped with MP3, HDMI and multimedia USB ports as standard. Wi-Fi can also be hooked up, and the system can handle Iridium satellite phones. As such, it would appear that, despite being advertised as a source of convenience and luxurious relaxation, the main appeal of today’s corporate jet is the potential to get even more work done at 35,000ft.
Located on the Cape Verde Peninsula, between Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport and Dakar downtown, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dakar offers guests the perfect venue for business and pleasure. Situated in the westernmost city on the African continent and complete with a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean, the hotel is a flawless mix of the luxury, comfort and rich culture that Africa is known for.
Small details
Characterised by its sophisticated design and contemporary style, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dakar is a beautiful and unique resort that offers 241 spacious rooms and suites, including a brand new Royal Suite and seven luxury apartments. All of the hotel’s suites, business class and standard rooms are impeccably designed, providing views of either the mesmerising Atlantic or the glittering skyline of Dakar. Radisson Blu Hotel, Dakar prides itself on offering the best service in the city; something that stems from its dedicated workforce of hospitality professionals.
The hotel’s success is built on a belief that the small details truly make all the difference. Each guest room offers free high-speed wi-fi and isolated climate control, while the hotel itself provides express and late check out, room service, a three-hour laundry service and a shuttle to the airport. Guests can also enjoy a delicious breakfast, a productive business lunch or an elegant romantic dinner at L’Avenue Restaurant, which offers exceptional Mediterranean cuisine with African, Dutch and French influences.
The hotel’s success is built on a belief that the small details truly make all the difference
Doing business
Radisson Blu Hotel, Dakar also offers twelve function rooms, all equipped with state of the art technology and facilities suitable for meetings, conferences, banquets and weddings. The largest venue can host more than 500 people, and each room is supervised by the hotel’s experienced meetings and events team who are on hand throughout each occasion, from the first registration to the final guest’s departure. With the assurance that such a team will be continually nearby, offering assistance, support and generally ensuring that each event runs smoothly, the hotel is a clear choice for any delegate organising their company’s next meeting or gala event.
Outside the boardroom, the hotel’s breathtaking infinity pool and adjoining Pool Grill and Bar, which serves up a selection of refreshing drinks and succulent grilled dishes, are firm favourites with its guests. But the amazing view of the Atlantic isn’t the only attraction in the pool area – live concerts are put on throughout the week, with a different artist being showcased each night.
The hotel also features the Little Buddha Dakar restaurant, which serves a mouthwatering selection of Asian-fusion dishes including a selection of sushi and traditional Chinese dishes, along with fresh California-style cuisine. Little Buddha Dakar is also a lounge bar, where professional DJs perform each night. A trendy atmosphere and relaxed setting make the venue arguably the finest place in the hotel for guests to enjoy a unique, fun and exciting experience.
Seeing the city
Guests at Radisson Blu Hotel, Dakar are encouraged to try and relax during their stay. At the hotel’s exclusive spa, the Buddhattitude Spa, visitors have a multitude of options for keeping energy levels high and stress low. Facilities include eight private treatment rooms, a heated indoor pool, a sauna, a hammam or Turkish bath, and a tea bar. The hotel’s specialist team is on hand to offer a variety of treatments including massage, manicure and pedicure, while the spa’s own exclusive products are available for purchase, enabling guests to continue the spa experience at home. At the hotel’s fitness centre, guests can maintain their fitness routines even when away from their everyday schedule by attending classes or using the state of the art gym. Personal trainers are also available in order to help guests get the very best out of their stay.
However, guests need not stay indoors to enjoy their time at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dakar. With the hotel within easy proximity of a wide variety of outdoor activities, downtown cultural attractions and upscale shopping locations, guests can find something to entertain themselves within mere minutes of the hotel’s doors – in fact, the hotel is directly connected to a luxury shopping mall. Other nearby cultural attractions include the presidential palace, Dakar’s many downtown markets, IFAN Museum of West African Art, the African Renaissance Monument, the Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor stadium, and the Grand Mosque, which contains an extensive library dedicated to Islamic texts and readings.
Further afield, visitors can enjoy the sights and sounds of Senegal by exploring some of its more remote natural attractions. This area of west Africa – known for its vibrant colours, warm climate and friendly locals – can be seen at its best on one of the many day trips on offer, including landscape treks, horseback riding and swimming and boating expeditions. Visitors can also drive 42km to visit Lake Retba, or Lac Rose as it is known by locals – the area’s stunning lake with vivid pink waters. Additionally, the UNESCO World Heritage site, Gorée Island, is unquestionably worth a visit: once a 16th-century slave trade outpost, the island now contains a museum that teaches visitors about the history of the trans-Atlantic slave trade business.
Glowing reviews
Radisson Blu Hotel, Dakar has received a flood of praise and media attention since it opened in 2010, including a stay by US President Barack Obama during his trip to Senegal in 2013. The hotel was also named as Senegal’s Leading Hotel in the World Travel Awards 2013 and 2014, and was additionally one of the hosts of la Francophonie – a summit for French-speaking nations – in November 2014.
When it comes to offering luxury, beauty and high quality service, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dakar is setting the standard for western Africa. With an idyllic backdrop and world-class facilities, the hotel is the perfect choice for any business trip, romantic getaway or family holiday. With its hospitable spirit and positive attitude driving it forward, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dakar strives to be different and to make every guest’s stay a complete success.
For any travellers considering taking a trip to Senegal – whether for a productive business meeting or simply to relax on Dakar’s stunning shores – Radisson Blu Hotel, Dakar aims to offer a flawless experience. In this diverse part of the world, where beautiful Atlantic vistas seamlessly merge with centuries of history and culture, there is no better venue for enjoying comfort, luxury and style.
The beauty and history of Prague is reflected in its extraordinary architecture. Stunning pieces, with origins ranging from the Gothic period to the modern era, can be easily spotted on any walk through the city’s streets. When visiting the city, most travellers are recommended to visit Old Town Square, Charles Bridge and Prague Castle for a true experience of Prague’s sights – but there are so many other locations in this fascinating city where stunning architecture is also available in abundance.
In Old Town Square, visitors can’t miss the towers of the Gothic Tyn Church. Celetna Street offers guests a more modern experience with the House of the Black Madonna (the best-preserved Cubist building in the city), while Namesti Republiky gives travellers the chance to truly fall in love with the art nouveau splendor of Municipal House; decorated and designed by the period’s most renowned Czech artists.
Located between the city’s business district and its historic Old Town, Hilton Prague offers guests a fresh, comfortable atmosphere and exceptional dining options
In the area surrounding Prague Castle, visitors can find the magnificent St Vitus Cathedral – a true Gothic icon – and St George’s Basilica, which is both the oldest church building in the castle and the best-conserved Romanesque building in the whole of Prague. Outside the castle gates, an excellent example of Renaissance architecture can be found on Hradcanske Namesti in the visually striking black and white sgraffito façade of Schwarzenberg Palace. Guests are also encouraged to visit the stunning baroque libraries of the Strahov Monastery.
Fans of this baroque style should also consider visiting St Nicholas Cathedral, which is located in the Mala Strana neighbourhood, just below the castle. The cathedral’s vast dome is only the beginning of the building’s magnificence – inside, guests will be amazed by the cathedral’s mesmerising frescoes. And, of course, guests should remember to visit the most famous Gothic structure in Prague – Charles Bridge.
Old versus new
Choosing where to stay in such a stunning and diverse city can be a difficult decision. Both modern accommodation and more classical hotels are readily available across Prague, and it is important that visitors find a style that best suits their tastes. The internationally renowned Hilton brand has made a concerted effort to cater for two key architectural palates within this incredible city, with its two beautiful hotels.
Hilton Prague, the brand’s flagship hotel in the city, is the ideal choice for those wishing to further explore Prague’s more contemporary side. Located between the city’s business district and its historic Old Town, this award-winning hotel offers guests a fresh, comfortable atmosphere and exceptional dining options.
The Grand Ballroom at Hilton Prague
The hotel’s beautiful and functional meetings and events space makes it the ideal choice for those visiting on business. At a total area of almost 5,000sq m, the state-of-the-art meeting space includes the hotel’s Grand Ballroom and 37 accommodating banquet rooms. As such, the entire centre can host conferences for up to 1,500 delegates.
The Congress Hall is the largest and most flexible space, where a recent renovation saw a new, more versatile lighting grid being installed, along with a large retractable screen, side projections and an excellent new sound system. All equipment is installed so that the room layout can be completely adjusted – including being turned by 90 degrees, or split into three separate spaces – and the technology will remain completely functional. And of course, with equipment already on-site, there is ample time for rehearsals, reduced installation costs, no transportation costs, and, overall, a far more relaxing set-up process for all event coordinators.
For more formal events, organisers may want to consider the Grand Ballroom. Adorned with opulent carpets and chandeliers, it can be equipped with the hotel’s quality AV technology for corporate meetings. For global business events, the Praha boardroom has been designed as an intimate videoconferencing facility – able to accommodate up to 12 people, there are two plasma monitors and two voice sensitive cameras for a perfect connection with third parties. For smaller events and meetings, all breakout rooms are equipped with built in projectors, roll down screens and sound equipment. Adjoining rooms can be connected with one signal source to all projectors for extra space with no disruptions.
Flexible dining
The recently renovated Atrium Restaurant is an ideal space for both business and pleasure. Modelled on the theme of ‘calm tranquillity’, all elements of the new restaurant – from the carpet and furnishings to the lighting – were selected using materials and colours that would create a soothing environment. The flexible space is ideal for intimate dinners and casual lunches, but can also be used as a private meeting space for larger groups. In addition to dining at Atrium, guests can enjoy the hotel’s modern take on traditional Czech cuisine at CzecHouse Grill and Rotisserie, or indulge in cocktails served alongside spectacular views of the city at Hilton Prague’s rooftop bar, Cloud 9 Sky Bar and Lounge.
All 618 guest rooms and 173 executive rooms, suites and apartments in the hotel are designed with luxury, comfort and convenience in mind. Guests also have the opportunity to further relax at the Cybex Health Club and Spa. Trained therapists are available here to provide a range of traditional and oriental massages and treatments, with the aim of allowing every guest to fully unwind during their stay.
Whether visiting the city for business or leisure, Hilton Prague’s prime location means that many of the city’s finest sights are only a short walk away. Both the Old and New Towns are on the hotel’s doorstep, providing excellent shopping, restaurants and nightlife within easy walking distance. Hilton Prague is also only 25 minutes away from Vaclav Havel International Airport, a short walk away from the Florenc metro station, and 1km away from the city’s main railway station.
A King guestroom at Hilton Prague
Hilton Prague has received a number of accolades from the business travel industry, including its recent selection as the Best Business Hotel, Czech Republic in the 2015 Business Destinations Travel Awards – securing the title for its fifth consecutive year. The hotel also recently won Best Hotel in the Czech Republic in the TTG Travel Awards for the sixth consecutive year.
Traditional design
Elsewhere in the city, art deco and cubism have been beautifully combined within Hilton Prague Old Town. Business and pleasure are easily mixed here, where 303 guest rooms equipped with desks and high-speed internet access are placed amid traditional Czech architecture. The recently renovated executive floor also offers additional comfort and amenities for the visiting delegate.
The dining options at Hilton Prague Old Town include the innovative cuisine and excellent wine selection at Zinc Restaurant, which specialises in European cuisine with an Asian twist. Elsewhere, the Zinc Lounge and Bar is the perfect spot for entertaining business colleagues, or simply enjoying after-dinner cocktails with friends amid stylish surroundings.
Other exceptional facilities at Hilton Prague Old Town include the Cybex Health Club and Spa and 1,200sq m of event space, with all meeting venues including high-specification AV equipment and high-speed internet access. Additionally, the hotel’s central location – mere minutes from Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square and Charles Bridge – makes it the perfect place for organising a meeting.
As one of only seven airports in the world with nonstop service to more than 200 destinations, Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport has become an internationally renowned transport hub. Celebrated not only for its great connectivity, but also for its size, outstanding customer experience and its operational excellence, DFW is situated in a sprawling plain between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas – one of America’s most aviation-centric regions.
2014 – DFW’s 40th anniversary year – served as one of its most significant milestones, with major new connections established around the globe and significant operational and customer service advances made. The airport was also awarded the Business Destinations Travel Award for Best Airport, North America in the same year.
DFW airport is an ideal and convenient global gateway for millions of customers, and one of the best available points of entry in the US for international travellers
Connecting the world
DFW ranks as the world’s third busiest airport, with more than 1,900 flight operations scheduled daily. The airport and also ranks ninth globally in terms of customers served – DFW hosted 62.9 million passengers in 2014; a new all-time high for the airport. Additionally, DFW serves as a home to American Airlines, as well as being the airline’s largest hub. In total, DFW hosts 24 airline carriers, providing nonstop access to five continents from north Texas.
The airport has been rapidly expanding its international service in recent years. 2014 saw the launch of DFW’s first airline service to Shanghai and Hong Kong via American Airlines, as well as new services to Doha, Qatar via Qatar Airways and Abu Dhabi via Etihad Airways. In addition, Emirates Airline and Qantas Airways each expanded their service at DFW, by adding the Airbus A380 to their Dubai and Sydney routes respectively.
“Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is definitely seeing the dividend of years of work in attracting more international airline service to the Dallas/Fort Worth region”, says Sean Donohue, Chief Executive Officer of DFW International Airport. “With 25 new international routes gained over the past four years, 18 of those to new international destinations, our focus on attracting customers from around the globe is certainly winning the hearts and minds of international travellers. And those travellers bring new business ties and economic impact to our region, which benefits us all.”
A hub of activity
Because every major city within the continental US can be accessed in less than four hours from DFW, the airport is an ideal and convenient global gateway for millions of customers, and one of the best available points of entry in the US for international travellers. And while the transport hub is known worldwide for its impressive size, DFW’s Skylink transportation system makes transfers between terminals quick and stress-free.
But DFW is more than just big: with regards to its customer service, the airport has ranked in the top 10 for large airports worldwide in Airports Council International surveys for the past eight years. DFW also offers its customers a wide variety of world-class shopping and dining options, as well as outstanding amenities and services. Customers can shop in small, boutique shops, brand name outlets or duty free stores, particularly in the airport’s renowned international terminal, Terminal D, which opened in 2005.
For passengers seeking a little relaxation, the airport offers services including a nap centre, spa services and the free DFW Yoga Studio. Customers can then enjoy a delicious meal from the airport’s selection of 150 restaurants, which serve a variety of cuisines and healthy entrees. Further exceptional amenities include free wi-fi and power charging stations throughout all five terminals, a walking path for exercise, an art programme with an accompanying podcast, and children’s play areas in four of the terminals.
Four of the airport’s passenger terminals are currently undergoing redevelopment
Supporting travellers
DFW also features industry-leading solutions for processing passengers through immigration and security checkpoints. In 2014, thanks to the full implementation of DFW’s new Automated Passport Control (APC) system, DFW customers saw a 50 percent reduction in customs processing time; from an average waiting time of 28 minutes to an average of 14 minutes. The APC system features electronic passport processing for eligible international travellers – including customers from all 38 nations that hold visa waiver agreements with the US – as well as for all lawful permanent residents (‘green card’ holders). Customers with carry-on luggage only can also enjoy an expedited exit from the customs area via a newly designed exit route.
In an effort to elevate the DFW customer experience even further, the airport launched a Terminal Renewal and Improvement Program (TRIP) in 2011. In a bid to improve its four original passenger terminals, the $2.9bn project is seeing the overhaul of everything from parking technology and dining options to energy efficiency and environmental impact. The four original terminals are also currently being renovated from floor to ceiling, replacing and innovating infrastructure with more efficient systems and improved layouts in parking, security checkpoints and concessions areas. By the end of 2014, DFW had completed over half of the project work for Terminals A, B and E, with the newly renovated spaces having already been a massive success with passengers from across the globe.
The immense renovation project is a demonstration of how the airport is rethinking the ways in which it supports travellers on each step of their journey. Once the project is complete (estimated to be in 2020), travellers will have access to a truly world-class airport experience, complete with a brighter and more modern atmosphere and more places to shop, dine and charge mobile devices.
DFW Airport serves as the home of American Airlines
Convenient transit
Conveniently located halfway between Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, in the fastest-growing metropolitan region in the US, DFW Airport is within easy reach for thousands of visitors due to the superb transport options in and around north Texas. These include six major highways and, as of August 2014, the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Orange Line. One of DFW’s milestone achievements for last year was the launch of this passenger rail service, which travels from downtown Dallas directly to the airport. This expansion of the DART light rail line signalled the beginning of a new era for convenient and cost-effective transit connectivity for airport customers.
“Passenger rail has long been a strategic goal, and represents a critical component to DFW’s status as a top-tier international gateway”, says Donohue. “With the DART Orange Line connecting DFW to downtown Dallas, DFW Airport is now on a par with global hub airports that have integrated rail, which is a major selling point for customers and conventions.”
DART’s DFW Airport station is located less than a three-minute walk away from the Terminal A entry doors and ticketing hall. The five-mile Orange Line segment provides continuous service to major regional destinations, in particular around the Dallas area. In the coming years, DFW Airport will be collaborating with the Fort Worth Transportation Authority to provide additional passenger rail services from Fort Worth.
DFW International Airport has succeeded in its original vision of placing the Dallas/Fort Worth region on the world stage as an economic powerhouse. Approximately 60,000 people now work within the airport’s expansive territory, and DFW additionally supports a total of 143,000 full-time jobs in the area – accounting for a total payroll of around $9.4bn. DFW’s total annual economic output amounts to a staggering $31.6bn for the north Texas region, with cargo activity accounting for about $16.7bn of that total.
With 40 years of operations and development now under its belt, DFW continues to search for ways to elevate the travelling experience for its customers. The airport’s plans for 2015 include additional international service launches – most notably to Beijing – and the creation of a new high-end international traveller lounge. As its founders envisioned when the airport first opened in 1974, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is indeed succeeding in its mission of connecting the world.
The proud possessor of a respected brand name and steadfast Swiss parentage, Mövenpick Hotel Doha prides itself on providing a personalised hospitality experience for every guest that passes through its doors. With a friendly intuition that stems from the brand’s considerable experience in the hospitality industry, the hotel provides attentive service that leaves each and every visitor feeling personally attended to.
Stylish and spacious, the hotel offers executive comfort in the heart of luxurious Qatar. Having undergone a magnificent refurbishment only a few years ago, Mövenpick’s rooms and suites are decorated in soothing and sophisticated natural tones, exuding classical style in a relaxing environment that makes it the ideal location for both work and relaxation.
These 154 rooms provide a more boutique experience for guests, with a choice of three intimate categories: superior rooms, which face in the direction of beautiful Doha itself; deluxe rooms, which come with a breathtaking sea view; and spacious business suites, which also offer guests a beautiful sea view along with a generous separate living and dining area.
Stylish and spacious, Mövenpick Hotel offers executive comfort in the heart of luxurious Qatar
Old-world charm
The hotel’s quaint in-house restaurant Seasons is known across the city for its culinary excellence and impressive menu. Seasons has an old-world charm that makes it the perfect place to relax with friends or family and enjoy an exquisite meal. The restaurant offers a series of exciting themed nights, where cuisines from all around the world (including Lebanese, Swiss and Asian) are served with care and style. Seasons serves a widespread buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but guests are also able to indulge in its extensive a la carte menu should they wish.
Positioned next door to Seasons is the vibrant Jazz Up bar. Providing the ultimate environment in which to unwind after a long day, the bar serves a wide variety of cocktails and other beverages, as well as delicious bar-style meals. Jazz Up regularly screens sporting events on its multiple large screen televisions, as well as offering live music events on the weekends. Elsewhere in the hotel, L’Espresso café provides an oasis in the heart of the hotel, where guests can meet friends or colleagues over rich Mövenpick coffee or the café’s selection of sweet treats.
Serene getaway
For guests looking to truly relax during their stay, the hotel houses a serene getaway: Mövenpick Hotel Doha’s wellness facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, steam room, outdoor Jacuzzi, and a fully equipped gym with a wide variety of contemporary cardio and weights equipment. All hotel guests have free access to these facilities, ensuring that visitors have the opportunity to release the majority of their stress by spending some time away from the hectic atmosphere of the busy city.
The hotel is particularly accommodating to business travellers, providing versatile conferencing facilities that can be adapted for events of up to 100 attendees. The seating plans of the Barzan Meeting Suites can be adjusted (from banquet-style to cocktail or classroom layouts) as well as the menus – the hotel’s caterers develop personalised menus that are designed to enhance each event with a touch of world-famous Swiss sophistication.
Only minutes away from some of the city’s finest business establishments and the culturally rich Souq Waqif, Mövenpick Hotel Doha also overlooks the iconic Museum of Islamic Arts and is situated a mere 11km from Hamad International Airport. Located in the sensational heart of the city, on the shores of Doha’s famous Corniche, guests at Mövenpick Hotel are given easy access to Doha’s greatest sights during their stay in the city.
Holyrood’s promise, as laid out in the Smith Commission, to cut APD could create 3,800 jobs and prompt £200m of annual economic benefits. As of May the duty will no longer apply to under 12s and a complete cut would see an additional 700,000 passengers for Scottish airports in the first year, rising to 900,000 passengers after five years. Ministers have been called to act on these findings and provide a timetable for the tax reduction, to allow for airlines and the tourism industry to plan for the change.
If the duty is not reduced the report predicts that Scotland will lose a million passengers a year
Speaking in a statement, Edinburgh Airport’s Chief Executive, Gordon Dewar said: “We’ve long argued that APD is a tax on Scotland’s ability to compete with European airports of our size, and our economy is footing the bill in lost jobs and lost opportunities. It’s also damaging the ability for our passengers to travel and to take advantage of the amazing connectivity we have from Edinburgh.”
If the duty is not reduced the report predicts that Scotland will lose a million passengers a year. Air tax in the UK is the highest of any major EU country, raising almost £3bn in 2013/2014, and is expected to cost the Scottish economy up to £68m in lost tourism expenditure year-on-year. Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland, added: “There is no doubt that APD is acting as a major deterrent to many potential visitors. Few other EU countries levy APD, so this places Scottish tourism at a competitive disadvantage.”
Known internationally as ‘the city on two continents’, Istanbul is strategically based as the cultural and commercial crossroad between the European and Asian landmasses. Home to an eclectic mixture of cultures, traditions and religions, Istanbul provides an ideal backdrop for any meeting or event. Recognised as Turkey’s centre for business and trade, Istanbul’s growing economy is progressively attracting more and more national and international companies. With its cultural attractions including lively bazaars, mosques, palaces, museums, modern shopping centres, art galleries, world-class restaurants and clubs – all available on the doorstep of nearly every hotel and meeting facility in the city – it’s not hard to see why.
At the very heart of this lively metropolis, boasting stunning views of the Dolmabahçe Palace and the Bosphorus Strait, is The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul. It epitomises the spirit of the city, as well as Istanbul’s Ottoman-inspired splendour, which surrounds guests with luxury and relaxation. Our hotel’s traditional roots are seamlessly linked with its contemporary exterior, adding a final flourish to an already unforgettable experience.
The Ritz-Carlton epitomises Istanbul’s Ottoman-inspired splendour, which surrounds guests with luxury and relaxation
Personalised service
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul is a perfect blend of hospitality, culture and sophistication. Located just 15 minutes away from the famous historical attractions of Sultanahmet, the Grand Bazaar and the Blue Mosque, our hotel is also within walking distance of the vibrant nightlife districts of Beyoğlu and Karaköy, and is only a 25-minute walk away from Galata Tower. Furthermore, Istanbul’s stylish shopping areas –Nişantaşı, Kanyon, Zorlu Center and Istinye Park – can all be reached in less than 20 minutes.
Each of the 243 elegantly furnished guest rooms and suites at The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul feature Ottoman-style décor and a range of luxurious features, including feather beds, sumptuous linens, flat-screen televisions, high-speed internet, espresso machines and distinctively designed facilities in both the bedrooms and en suite bathrooms. The rooms themselves range from 38sq m park view rooms to 64sq m suites with panoramic views of the Bosphorus Strait.
Meeting in Istanbul
Elsewhere in the hotel, more than 2,403sq m of meeting and conference space is available to be booked by guests, promising to create a truly memorable event. With superb catering and entertainment facilities, high-speed internet access and state of the art audio-visual equipment in every meeting room, the hotel is fully equipped to create truly remarkable events. Modern amenities blend with traditional hospitality to combine this unique and renowned Ritz-Carlton service.
The hotel’s magnificent view of the Bosphorus is one of its defining features. With the advantage of a vista that truly complements any agenda, at The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul we understand that success does not merely stem from closing a deal – it comes from making a lasting impression. With such an impressive event and meeting space, as well as our enviable location on the Strait, our Istanbul hotel is poised and excited to host occasions that are truly unforgettable.
At The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul, we offer a plentiful supply of venue choices: from a commanding ballroom with seating for 450 people to a glass-walled chamber replete with breathtaking views of the waters, the hotel offers many stylish locations to give your festivities just the right ambience. Furthermore, the experience of our catering and culinary team can be enjoyed outside of the hotel itself in many of Istanbul’s other spectacular venues, including onboard some of the area’s cruise boats. From producing delicious menus to providing entertainment and decoration, every detail will be planned in order to ensure that your celebration will be remembered as a success.
Culinary excellence
Guests at The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul can enjoy views of the shimmering Bosphorus while dining at the hotel’s Bleu Lounge and Grill, which features a Mediterranean-inspired menu and an extensive range of cocktails. The stylish and relaxing ambience of the restaurant gives guests the opportunity to have a casual lunch with friends and family; enjoy the delicious mezze selection on offer; or to share a sophisticated evening meal with colleagues. The restaurant’s incredible range of succulent grills, along with the spectacular nighttime vista of the illuminated Bosphorus Bridge and distant city lights, makes this the place to be when dining in beautiful Istanbul.
During the evenings, smooth, sophisticated tunes fill the air while the glowing electric blue bar becomes the centre of attraction, serving innovative cocktails in imaginative laboratory-style glasses. As the night continues, live musicians begin their sets, performing the latest hits and raising the tempo to completely transform the restaurant from a relaxing dining venue to an exciting and modern evening drinking spot.
At the hotel’s signature restaurant, Atelier Real Food, the open kitchen entices guests with its handmade French rotisserie. With all dishes using only fresh, local and seasonal ingredients, culinary excellence is celebrated by delicious ‘farm to table’ flavours and a back-to-basics tradition. Of course, the fine art of simplicity can, in actuality, be extraordinarily tough to achieve, as the restaurant’s head chef – who spent three years exploring Turkey on his motorbike, gathering culinary inspiration from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean – can attest. The results, however, are simply exceptional – Atelier Real Food offers dishes from succulent rotisserie lamb and delectable sea bass to ragout of calamari. Handmade breads, meanwhile, are served on hot stones brought to the restaurant from Turkey’s Anatolian region, and are a perfect accompaniment to the restaurant’s famous artisanal organic olive oil.
The hotel’s Buyukada meeting room
Since the opening of the Winter Garden terrace at The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul and, subsequently, the introduction of its Sunday brunch service, this area has become a hub for city connoisseurs keen on indulging at the weekends. On fresh, autumnal Sundays visitors can be found laughing with friends or family on the alfresco terrace, enjoying one of the most incredible views in Europe or Asia – the stunning Bosphorus flowing past the towers and minarets of the historic city of Istanbul.
Calming treatments
We also aim to provide guests with a haven of relaxation and tranquility. The Ritz-Carlton Spa replaces the stresses and strains of everyday living with serenity and beauty, offering therapies and treatments with both Eastern and Western influences, including personalised massages, facials and an extensive selection of pampering body treatments. The spa’s most striking feature – the authentic Turkish hammam – embraces the tradition of ancient water therapies in a timeless and peaceful setting. It also features a couple’s hammam suite – a unique feature where guests are able to share an authentic memory of Turkey. A menu of luxurious services is provided in the nine treatment rooms. Further enhancing the wellbeing of mind and body is a fitness centre that is available for guests’ use around the clock. During the summer months, guests can experience specifically designed cooling and calming treatments at the only open-air spa in Istanbul.
For those who wish to take their experience at The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul to the next level, we offer extra measures of luxury and comfort through The Ritz-Carlton Club. With this service, a dedicated concierge is always on hand to attend to guests’ needs and preferences. Guests also have exclusive use of the hotel’s two cars and access to complimentary food and drinks, ranging from open breakfast buffets and lunchtime snacks to cocktails, canapés and desserts.
Located in the heart of the Republic of Kosovo’s capital city, the Swiss Diamond Hotel Prishtina offers five-star luxury to the visiting business traveller. Situated between the Mother Teresa pedestrian boulevard and the city’s bustling financial and performing arts districts, the hotel is only minutes away from Prishtina’s government building and its main EU commission office.
Known across the Balkans for its exclusivity and dedication to fine service, the Swiss Diamond Hotel is designed to make any guest feel comfortable and looked-after when visiting Kosovo’s busiest and most captivating city. Arriving guests will be delighted to find themselves in the hotel’s timeless environment, where gourmet Mediterranean cuisine is served in classical Roman-style surroundings. The hotel’s varied selection of restaurants and bars includes the Iliria Restaurant, where signature dishes are created from the freshest ingredients and served with beautiful attention to detail and style. Guests can also spend time at the Lounge Bar, where rare wines and cognacs and elegant cocktails are served in a tastefully furnished Empire-inspired room.
The Swiss Diamond Hotel is designed to make any guest feel comfortable and looked-after when visiting Kosovo’s busiest and most captivating city
Luxury items
When visiting the hotel, guests can also visit its acclaimed cigar club, where rare cigars and great service are provided in a sophisticated, intimate setting. Later, guests can visit the hotel’s Tombolini shop, where gifts for friends and family as well as luxury items and handmade clothing can be purchased.
The hotel has 141 guest rooms and suites, all decorated in a luxurious, classical style. Italian marble, Sicilian columns and crystal chandeliers are all used throughout the hotel, creating a refined and welcoming environment for visiting businesspeople. Additionally, the splendour of the hotel makes it the ideal venue for any event or meeting – whether it be a business conference, a family meal or a wedding or anniversary.
Flawless beauty
From the moment of arrival, it is clear that the Swiss Diamond Hotel firmly believes in offering its guests service that goes above and beyond what is expected. One of its many facilities is the Venus Wellness, Health and Spa Centre. Designed to rival the luxurious ambiance of the Roman baths, a visit to the hotel’s wellness centre promises to relax guests’ bodies and minds. The centre’s holistic approach, along with the dedication and passion of its therapists, hairstylists, dermatologists, cardiologists and dietary consultants, provides guests with flawless and professional beauty treatments.
The hotel’s spa facilities provide guests with a welcome opportunity to relax, or to engage in a complete fitness workout after a long day at work. Guests have complimentary access to the wellness centre, with world-class amenities including an indoor thermal swimming pool, hot tub, gym, and five different types of sauna, including a steam bath, ice cave and Turkish bath. The spa offers an extensive selection of rejuvenating and restoring body and skin treatments, including massage, facials, manicures, pedicures, hydrotherapy, fangotherapy, body scrubs, wraps, soaks and hot stone treatments.
The desire to have smooth, healthy skin is a common one, but – with each treatment at the Swiss Diamond Hotel completed by specialist dermatologists – it need no longer be an unrealistic one. Using compounds placed under the skin’s surface, the Venus Spa’s treatments achieve impressive results. Additionally, these specialist beauty treatments are also available for those not staying at the hotel. CoolSculpting, MesoLift, anti-cellulite mesotherapy, hair loss mesotherapy, microdermabrasion, Botox and other fillers are just a few of the first-rate options available.
Discover the overwhelming beauty of the Gulf and the warmth of Arabian hospitality in Qatar’s dazzling capital Doha – the city that began its life as a small pearl fishing village, and is now one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the world. Explore the desert on an exhilarating safari, engage in some retail therapy in the rapidly expanding shopping district crammed with designer labels, or admire the architectural artistry of the constantly developing skyline.
Home to most of the country’s population and a growing expatriate community from all over the world, Doha is a thriving, multicultural city. Doha’s unprecedented growth in recent years is largely thanks to its significant wealth – it is one of the only capitals in the world to have weathered the storm of the financial crisis relatively unaffected. With plans to increase the number of international visitors to the Gulf country five-fold by 2030 now in place, the Qatar Tourism Authority is working hard to ensure that there’s something for everyone in this diverse city.
Whether your visit is for business or pleasure, the hotel has an extraordinary amount of facilities on offer
Panoramic views
Located at the heart of the recently developed business district West Bay and a mere five minute walk from the Doha Corniche, the Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel is the first Marriott Marquis property outside of the United States, setting a strong precedent for the brand’s future plans for expansion. With panoramic views of both the Arabian Gulf and the Doha skyline, as well as a direct connection to the city centre’s sprawling mall, Marriott’s latest Middle Eastern development is the ideal place for any modern traveller to rest their head. Plus, the hotel is located just 30 minutes from Hamad International Airport, making travel connections a breeze.
“Marriott Hotels is our flagship brand, designed for frequent travellers who want to make the most of every opportunity presented by travel. In addition, the iconic Marriott Hotels brand is on a journey to transform itself and reassert its position as a leader in innovation”, says Alex Kyriakidis, President and Managing Director of Marriott International Middle East and Africa.
As can be expected from the Marriott brand, the hotel utilises a variety of innovative concepts, such as the check-in and checkout app, which allows guests to effortlessly register their arrival and departure ahead of time on their mobile phone, avoiding lengthy queues at the reception desk. Additionally, the Meeting Services app makes it simple for meeting planners to make requests and respond to the event hosts in real time, providing a dynamic way for guests and associates to connect.
Luxury living
Whether your visit is for business or pleasure, the hotel has an extraordinary amount of facilities on offer – from international restaurants and executive lounges to world-class leisure facilities (including a 35m rooftop swimming pool, Vitality Zone health club, and Saray Spa), the hotel has something to help you unwind after a long day of work.
The Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel offers 577 guest rooms, including 120 serviced and fully furnished one, two and three bedroom residences. Providing the perfect combination of apartment-style living with premier hotel services, these residences offer fully-equipped kitchens, a luxury spa and housekeeping services, offering the ideal compact housing solution for any expat moving to Doha, or any full-time resident in search of a full-service hotel experience.
Event hosting
If hosting a meeting or event, the Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel has a variety of options: a total of 17 meeting rooms, spread across a massive space of 1,200sq m, are all equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for every need, including free high speed internet access, and fax and secretarial services if required. The hotel also has a 740sq m Grand Ballroom that can be split up for smaller private events, a welcoming reception area in the foyer, and an additional Executive Lounge located in the South Tower, which features a stunning outdoor terrace. For less formal occasions, the West End Cafe and Patisserie provides a comfortable and spacious area to meet and work in, with facilities including free Wi-Fi, wireless printing and an extensive range of food and drinks. Offering afternoon tea, freshly baked pastries, over 40 varieties of fine handcrafted chocolates and over 20 types of international mineral waters, there’s something for everyone.
Food and beverage is at the heart of the hotel. Explore Middle Eastern flavours in high-end Lebanese restaurant Aziza, enjoy an authentic Brazilian churrascaria experience at Ipanema, or try Aqua Lounge for an exclusive al fresco dining setting. There’s also Italian kitchen Cucina, New York Steakhouse and Champions Sports Bar and Restaurant among others, meaning that the hotel is able to cater for all visitors; from private dining parties to family and group functions. After a bite to eat, guests can wander down to the Doha Corniche, the city’s palm-fringed waterfront promenade with exceptional views of the city and the Arabian Gulf. Also nearby is the Qatar National Museum, Museum Park, the beautiful Emiri Diwan building with its lush landscaped gardens, and the National Council for Culture, Arts and Heritage. Probably most alluring about the hotel is its desirable city centre location, making it the ideal stay for business travellers, families, and everyone in between.
The hotel’s idyllic swimming pool
Home away from home
The Marriott hotels brand has long been synonymous with luxury; providing a place where travellers can create, connect and recharge in iconic locations around the world. And the Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel is no exception, presenting guests with a familiar and welcoming home away from home. Signing up to the Marriott Rewards frequent travel programme is also incredibly worthwhile, allowing guests to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during their stay.
“Doha is a dynamic, diverse city and a professional business destination, capable of hosting large citywide events in state-of-the-art conference and exhibition centres”, says Andreas Wissdorf, General Manager of the new Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel. “We saw an opportunity to enhance our offerings through the Marriott Hotels brand, adding some key features and facilities such as the ‘Greatroom’, ‘Future of Meetings’ and ‘Mobile Guest Services’.
“We are extremely proud to be the first Marriott Marquis property outside of the United States, offering the option of tailoring any kind of event, conference, meeting or social function to our customers’ needs through enhanced facilities and technology.”
The hotel’s staff are dedicated to going above and beyond to deliver the most exclusive, bespoke experience to each and every guest. The Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel is a must-stay location for every modern traveller visiting this incredible city.
The Kingdom of Bahrain’s location at the core of the Arabian Gulf provides ideal connectivity to the area’s $1.4trn economy. Listed by Forbes as the 53rd best country in which to do business (December 2014), the area had long shown tremendous potential as a Middle Eastern business hub – and it has not disappointed. Now, as the area’s undisputed financial centre, it is also home to over 400 licensed financial institutions.
While the oil industry remains the mainstay of its economy, Bahrain has long been a pioneer of economic diversification, developing several other lucrative sectors including regional tourism, logistics and manufacturing. Although the smallest market in the Gulf Corporation Council’s (GCC) territory, the kingdom boasts the most open economy in the Gulf, making it an ideal gateway for investors and business travellers wishing to visit the region.
The five-star hotel caters to all market segments, but is particularly popular with business and conference travellers
An abundance of hotels cater to this ever-expanding business clientele, but – as one of the first hotels established in Bahrain – The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence and Spa, which stands prominently at the entrance to the diplomatic and business districts, occupies an enviable position in the market.
Meeting expectations
The five-star hotel caters to all market segments, but is particularly popular with business and conference travelers. In addition to its 367 rooms, The Diplomat Radisson Blu offers 1,500sq m of fully renovated meeting and events space, which has further enhanced the hotel’s unrivaled meetings experience for its corporate guests.
The renovation, at a cost of $6m, combines excellent corporate facilities with traditional influences, in keeping with the local heritage. “Although we installed state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, the feel of the Grand Ambassador Ballroom and meeting venues is based on a contemporary Middle Eastern design”, says Panos Panagis, General Manager of the hotel.
Since the reopening of the conference facilities in August 2014, a noticeable increase in conventions, conferences and product launches has enabled the hotel to regain its leading position in the corporate and meetings segment. In turn, this has resulted in a substantial increase in overnight stays by corporate visitors. However, Panagis is in no doubt as to where The Diplomat Radisson Blu’s meeting and events strengths lie: “Whilst the newly renovated product plays a major part in attracting bookings, it is our personalised service and outstanding food quality that ensures successful events and repeat business.”
Business partner
Optimistic about the future of the hospitality sector in Bahrain, Panagis is confident that it will retain its position as one of the economy’s key drivers. “Bahrain is a strategic player in the region. Together with the efforts of both the government and the private sector, its position as a business and financial hub will continue to grow, which will encourage development of other sectors such as tourism and leisure”, he says.
With Bahrain being one of the world’s leading centres for Islamic banking and an increasingly popular destination for tourists visiting the Gulf, it seems that the team at The Diplomat Radisson Blu are right to be optimistic about the future. Panagis continues, “Our role is to support government initiatives, particularly in tourism, and to further promote the country as an investment destination of choice and gateway to the GCC market.”
While this will inevitably mean new entrants to an already competitive hotel market, Panagis is confident that The Diplomat Radisson Blu will maintain its leading position and continue to grow: “Our ability to engage with our guests, understand their requirements and come up with the right solutions to ensure that their whole stay, and every single interaction of the service process, is positive, is what keeps our guests coming back year after year”, he explains. “We effectively become a silent partner in assisting our corporate clients to achieve their goals.”
Making the difference
The Diplomat Radisson Blu’s facilities and services are designed to fulfil every need of the modern traveller. But, while the latest technology is readily available and employed throughout the hotel, Panagis and his staff continue to place great emphasis on the importance of personal interaction. “In an ever-changing digital age, the importance of personal experience can often be forgotten. At The Diplomat Radisson Blu, the digital tools available to our guests and hotel team members are simply tools that enable us to achieve a seamless human interaction during the service process.”
Achieving this involves the full cooperation of the hotel’s exemplary workforce, along with a focus on the small details that the company believes make all the difference. The Diplomat Radisson Blu’s amenities ensure that guests feel relaxed and absolutely at home in the hotel’s luxurious surroundings, while its passionate and friendly staff guarantee that they will also feel comfortable asking when they do require something else. Easy airport access, complimentary high-speed internet, on-site restaurants serving a diverse mix of world cuisines, a state-of-the-art gym and a tranquil spa all make the Diplomat Radisson Blu the natural choice for any business traveller during their visit to Bahrain.
Service culture
As part of the Rezidor Hotel Group, The Diplomat Radisson Blu implements the faction’s ‘4D’ corporate strategy. This approach aims to capture market share, while at the same time creating unwavering loyalty to the corporate segment. The 4D strategy is based on four focal pillars: developing talent, delighting guests, driving business and delivering results. Both the effort that goes into upholding this maxim and the benefits that it reaps are evident throughout the group’s entire operation; from its financial successes to its glowing customer reviews.
Regarding the 4D strategy and the outstanding service that the hotel group has become renowned for as a result, Panagis says, “Hospitality is all about the individual, and at The Diplomat Radisson Blu, we take pride in our unique ‘Yes I Can!’ service culture. For us it is our ability to engage with our guests, understand their requirements and come up with the right solutions to ensure their stay and every single interaction of the service process is positive.”
Such a commitment to the happiness of its customers means that it is little wonder that the hotel is one of the area’s most popular. The seamless fusion of traditional style with modern facilities ensures that The Diplomat Radisson Blu’s guests are comfortable and at ease, and – with its enviable location in one of the most lucrative financial centres in the world, plus an existing collection of loyal visitors – it is unsurprising that the hotel has managed to regain its leading position in the Gulf’s corporate and meetings segment.
Located in the heart of Europe, covering the majority of the north of Belgium, Flanders is a region in which people have been doing business for years – and often without realising. Encompassing cities such as Brussels, Antwerp and Bruges, the area is a thriving business hub, hosting an endless supply of interesting attractions, unique venues and world-class hotels.
A rich medieval history, an abundance of art and culture and the rush of city life are all features that have been drawing people to the area for centuries. But for visiting delegates in particular, Flanders has so much more to offer – the diversity of the region, teamed with its remarkable past and central location, means that there are endless possibilities for conference venues. Businesses can organise a cocktail reception in a medieval fortress, or a dinner party in one of Napoleon’s former residences.
The diversity of the region, teamed with its remarkable past and central location, means that there are endless possibilities for conference venues
Crossing borders
Every day, thousands of passengers travel through Brussels Airport. The airport – Belgium’s busiest – is located in heart of the country and offers visitors easy access to Flanders’ congress cities. In addition, the exceptional train network in the area means that quick and easy transport is possible not just between its towns, but between neighbouring countries too. Cities across the rest of Europe, including Amsterdam, London, Paris, Cologne and Frankfurt, are all reachable through high-speed trains from Brussels Midi Station, all with a journey time of less than three hours.
Naturally, within each of Flanders’ cities the superb public transportation networks also mean that travelling between local places couldn’t be simpler. This is particularly beneficial for businesspeople, as the difficulties of commuting can be a considerable factor when selecting a place to stay – the fact that this expansive transport network perfectly supports the area’s overwhelming selection of high quality accommodation and excellent conference venues means that, in Flanders, this need never be a problem. Additionally, Flanders’ aspiration to be an eco-friendly destination means that many of these locations are in fact walking distance from one another.
Biscuit tin beauty
The diversity of cultures, tastes and histories in the region means that Flanders is particularly rich in cultural attractions, historical monuments and excellent restaurants. In fact, out of the 121 Michelin-starred restaurants in Belgium, 75 percent are located within the Flanders region. This extremely high concentration of fine cuisine means that, proportionally, the fine dining options in Flanders surpass even those of France and Spain. Additionally, Flanders’ North Sea coast means that fresh seafood is abundant across the region; something that every visitor is emphatically encouraged to sample.
Flanders’ cities are also noted for their unique beauty. Bruges is famous for its confectionery triumphs and its ‘chocolate street’, which boasts over 50 confectionery shops, but is also renowned for its ‘biscuit tin beauty’. Elsewhere, Ghent offers visitors the perfect combination of historical and modern attractions, while Antwerp is rich with incredible architecture. In the centre of the region are Leuven and Mechelen; two of Flanders’ undiscovered gems that are both within 30km of Brussels Airport.
Global renown
The region is steeped in European history – particularly from the Middle Ages – and remnants of its illustrious past can still be found across its cities. Its lavish buildings and historic sites not only serve as stunning monuments, but are also available to be utilised as exciting MICE destinations and conference venues.
The area’s friendly, passionate people make for ideal acquaintances and accommodating hosts, and with such a diverse range of locations, hotels, venues and scenic backdrops, it is no wonder that the region has one of the best reputations for hospitality in the world.
